Pumas vs Chivas de Guadalajara Prediction, Betting Odds, Picks

• Three red cards will keep a few key players off of Pumas’ XI this weekend
• It hasn’t been brilliant, but Chivas have avoided some serious catastrophes this season
• Up top, Angel Zaldivar is emerging as an unsung hero for Chivas

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Pumas vs Chivas de Guadalajara Odds

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Pumas vs Chivas de Guadalajara Predictions and Picks

Could this be Chivas de Guadalajara’s chance for consecutive Liga MX victories?

Before the international break, Chivas clinched a narrow but vital 2-1 win over Necaxa — their first since late July.

They haven’t been too convincing this season and will be making the trip away, but the good news is that Pumas are in a bit of shambles at the moment.

Pumas only have one win so far in the 2021 Apertura, and after earning three reds in their latest 2-1 loss to Toluca, they’ll have a few starters missing for this Sunday’s match.

Chivas have a chance here to steal some much-needed points.

Pick:

Chivas for the win.

What happened to Pumas?

After defeating Puebla 2-0 during Week 6 of the Apertura, it looked like they were on the cusp of a turnaround.

And for a brief moment in their previous match against Toluca, it did appear as though Pumas had found a second wind in their mid-season form.

Pumas took a 1-0 lead against Toluca by the 8th minute and were well on their way to back-to-back Liga MX wins.

Then came a red card for Alan Mozo, and then another Angel Garcia, and believe it or not, another for striker Juan Dinenno after the final whistle.

While they lost the script and stumbled over themselves, Toluca bounced back with two goals that took back the lead.

Pumas not only dropped a chance for three points, but will now also be missing three players against Chivas…

Red Cards Will Hurt Pumas This Sunday

As it is, Pumas’ roster was already thin before they earned three red cards in their last game.

With a squad that often relies on academy products, the Mexico City team often has to field inexperienced talents during most Liga MX weekends.

Now, with Mozo, Garcia and Dinenno absent, Pumas manager Andres Lillini has the unenviable task of finding different solutions within his gameday roster.

Most notably, up top, Dinenno’s vacancy will be a significant setback for Pumas.

The lead striker was finding some momentum before his red, and now, it’s completely up in the air if anyone will be able to properly take charge as the striker.

Chivas Have Played Some Decent Soccer In Their Last Few Games

Regardless of the bitter attitude that Chivas fans have had regarding their team’s issues, it must be noted that they are playing well enough to only claim one loss in their last six matches.

Granted, Chivas fans understandably expect much more — and are justifiably angry with cautious manager Victor Manuel Vucetich — but they aren’t collecting several losses either.

They were worthy victors against Necaxa, and in their previous 0-0 draw with Monterrey, they were unlucky to not find the back of the net at least once.

It’s far from dominant soccer, but up against Pumas, it should be enough to secure another three points.

Angel Zaldivar, Chivas’ Unexpected Savior

There’s something to be said about the 27-year-old that can sometimes be overlooked.

Angel Zaldivar isn’t the most talented member in the squad, let alone the most talented attacking player, but he’s been able to step up in big moments for Chivas a few times this season.

The striker clinched their lone goal against San Luis in late July, he provided a goal and assist during August 7th’s 2-2 draw with Juarez, and most recently, he clinched the game-winner off a penalty against Necaxa.

Vucetich seems to trust the player and it has clearly paid off.

With a surprising amount of pace and power at his disposal, he’ll be one to keep an eye on against Pumas.

How to Watch Pumas vs Chivas de Guadalajara